Xi Jinping expresses hope for deeper China-Malaysia relations and calls for enhanced cooperation on Belt and Road initiatives.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his anticipation of meeting with Malaysian friends to celebrate the longstanding friendship between China and Malaysia and to chart the course for future collaboration.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Xi shared these thoughts in a signed article titled “May the Ship of China-Malaysia Friendship Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future,” published in local media including the English-language daily The Star, ahead of his state visit to Malaysia.

He emphasized the need for both nations to work together to inject new vitality into their enduring friendship, likening it to a ship that has navigated the long river of history and should continue to sail steadily toward a brighter future.

Xi also expressed his hope for more frequent people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, saying he wishes for their citizens to visit one another like family.

He called for both sides to deepen high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and enhance collaboration in industrial and supply chains. He stressed the importance of upholding the multilateral trading system, maintaining the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and fostering an international environment that supports openness and cooperation.

Xi further stated that China is committed to working with Malaysia and other ASEAN members to counter geopolitical tensions and bloc-based confrontations, as well as resist unilateralism and protectionism.

Highlighting the strength of China-ASEAN cooperation, Xi noted it as the most effective and productive in the region. He reaffirmed China’s firm support for ASEAN unity, community-building, and ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs.

He also expressed full support for Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. — Bernama